A JOBSWORTH Ryanair worker tried to stop a disabled youngster boarding a delayed jet, claiming they didn’t “have time”.
Sean Mccullagh was returning from Manchester to Dublin after volunteering at a charity event helping other wheelchair users.
The 17-year-old and his parents were at the gate in plenty of time but while his mum, Sandra, was allowed on board, a member of ground staff blocked Sean.
Sean Mccullagh was returning from Manchester to Dublin after volunteering at a charity event helping other wheelchair users. image supplied
It was only after Sandra, 52, kicked up a massive fuss on board that the pilot overruled the airport worker and agreed to wait for the special lift to arrive.
Sean, who has been using a wheelchair since a car accident in 2006, was due on the 5.35pm flight on August 9.
They arrived in plenty of time only to be told the flight was delayed and they would have to move to another gate.
Although the family arrived at the new gate in time, they were told the specialised lift had not yet arrived.
Sandra took to social media to lambast the airline for what followed, blaming a female member of ground staff.
She wrote: “Very upsetting flying home with Sean Mccullagh last night as Ryanair refused to let Sean board the plane, because the flight was already delayed and they didn’t want to waste time putting him on.”
She added: “Thanks to the decency and compassion of the pilot, cabin crew, Swiss port assistant staff and passengers (five offered to carry him onto the plane), Sean was eventually allowed to board.
“It was a sad end to a great week, where Sean was volunteering with the Back Up [charity] teaching wheelchair skills.”
Sandra said today it took about 45 minutes for the lift to arrive but even then the Ryanair employee did not want to let Sean, who was waiting with his dad, on board.
Sandra said: “She said to Sean it was too late and the gate was closed. She told them they didn’t have time and it was Ryanair policy.
“This one particular woman tried to make the call, she had no regard, just said ‘no it’s not happening’.
“No respect for the situation at all. It was like we were inconvenient and we didn’t count and they could just dismiss us like that.
“The cabin crew went to speak to the pilot and said he was willing to wait.”
Zoe Burchell responded online: “Disgraceful. Shame on you Ryanair.”
Ryanair have been contacted for comment
